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McCall, Idaho – The Elkhorn fire is currently at 25,978 acres with 40% completed. The firefighters will monitor the west perimeter along the 421 road. The heavy equipment task force is working north and east of the fire in thick underbrush, using chippers to reduce the fallen fuel load for later disposal. Hand crews will work in that area at least two more days to construct heavy fuel breaks that follow the 505 UTV trail, then continue into the previous Shissler Wildfire from 2020. Backhaul between Allison Ranch and China Bar is progressing well as boats transport fire equipment for pullout from the river at Whitewater Ranch.

 Communication continues with the boaters entering the river at Corn Creek and again at Hancock Rapids before entering the fire footprint along the river corridor. Boaters are required to stop at Hancock Rapids at river mile 26.1 to receive further instruction from either a Forest Service representative or the posted information board regarding passing through and camping in the area of the Elkhorn fire. Camping, recreating (i.e., picnic, bathroom breaks and beach walking) and stopping through the area of fire activity is allowed. Upon leaving Hancock Rapids there will be no stopping until boaters pass Magpie Creek Camp. After passing Magpie Creek Camp, boaters will be allowed to camp and recreate on a First Come, First Served basis everywhere except: Upper Allison, Allison, Lower Allison, Whitewater Camp, and Campbell’s Ferry. Upon leaving Campbell’s Ferry, there are no camping restrictions connected to the Elkhorn Fire. For additional information on rafting, contact the river desk at 208-756-5587 or 208-481-2625.

 The U.S. Forest Service Nez Perce-Clearwater, and Payette National Forests issued the Elkhorn fire area, roads and trails closure order #01-17-05-23-003, https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices/?aid=82169. The closure area spans both sides of the Salmon River but excludes the Salmon River Wild and Scenic Corridor below the high-water line. 

 The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been reduced to a two-mile buffer around the fire perimeter. All aircraft (including drones) not assigned to the fire are required to remain out of the TFR area between 0900-2100.

 Visit InciWeb for information on wildfires at https://inciweb.ncwg.gov and follow the Payette National Forest on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/payettenationalforest